Scripture
Matthew 6:22-23 (New International Version)
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Consider
A familiar 16th century proverb tells us that “the eyes are the window to the soul.” It’s true: Our eyes give away clues about our moods and emotions, whether we are telling the truth or lying, whether we are excited or bored or confused. Unless we are very good at hiding our emotions, others can read our secret thoughts through our eyes, which is why we tend to avoid meeting another’s gaze when we have something to hide.
In the above passage, however, we see that the eye not only reveals but actually determines our inner state. Whatever the eye takes in, Jesus says, the heart receives and retains. If we want to improve the quality of our inner being, therefore, we should examine how we perceive and interpret what we experience.
The healthy eye—also translated “generous” or “pure”—looks for God in every situation and takes in the light of his truth. Unclouded by selfishness, greed, or bitterness, the healthy eye observes others without distortion or bias, and the image taken into the heart will be true and real and enlightening.
The unhealthy eye, on the other hand, is fixed on the Self. It perceives others through the dark filter of self-interest and thereby distorts what our heart receives and believes.
We can choose whether to take light or darkness into our hearts. For example, notice how your assumptions and biases are coloring, or “darkening,” the way you see other people. Recognize when dark emotions are clouding your perceptions and biasing your assumptions about people’s motives and behaviors. Many conflicts and misunderstandings can be avoided by simply clearing your vision.
Pray
FATHER, thank you for the truth that always gives light, even when it exposes something dark or dangerous. Grant me wisdom to see others realistically and without the distortions that lead me to make false assumptions or take unwarranted offense. Give me grace to ask forgiveness from those whom I have misjudged and to rid my heart of the darkness I received through clouded vision.
Reflect
Psalm 51:10; Isaiah 2:5
Share
What recent offense might simply be a case of clouded vision?
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